WASHINGTON, May 11 (UPI) — Justin Bieber claims he feels like a “zoo animal” when bombarded with fans who want selfies, and so he has put his foot down.
The “Sorry” singer was unapologetic on Instagram Tuesday when he declared he was “done” posing for photos with admirers whom he comes across on the street.
“If you happen to see me out somewhere know that I’m not gonna take a picture I’m done taking pictures,” Bieber wrote. “It has gotten to the point that people won’t even say hi to me or recognize me as a human, I feel like a zoo animal, and I wanna be able to keep my sanity.”
“I realize people will be disappointed but I don’t owe anybody a pictures,” the singer continued. “And people who say ‘but I bought your album’ know that you got my album and you got what you paid for AN ALBUM! It doesn’t say in fine print whenever you see me you also get a photo.”
Bieber immediately saw pushback on social media for his assertion, and later responded to one fan who claimed he “signed up” for his very public life.
“If you think setting boundaries is being a douche I’m the biggest douche around but I think it’s smart and will be the only way I last,” Bieber wrote.
“I wanna enjoy life and not be a slave to the world and their demands of what they think I need to do!! I love the fact that I’m able to make people happy but cmon if you truly were in my position you would understand how tiring it is (boo hoo Justin get over it) I’m going to keep making decisions I feel are fit for my growth and no human will make me feel bad for it.”
The post comes shortly after Bieber was spotted walking barefoot in a Boston park ahead of a concert there. While some reports claim the move was random, it may be in connection with the shoe company TOMS’ One Day Without Shoes event, a day set apart for people to walk barefoot to bring awareness to children in need.
